Senior League 16U baseball is played within the Auckland Baseball Association league under Little League rules. Games are played on a senior diamond – with 90’ base-paths and a 60’6" pitching distance. Many players at this age have played through the grades, however we also get some new players joining. These new players are taught skills first and soon learn the game.
Senior League 16U is classed as competitive grade by Auckland Baseball Association – this means that games are scored and team & player results are tracked on My Ball Club.
For the 2024/2025 season we expect to field teams of between 12-14 players.
Season Details: Registrations open in August, Pre-Season training starts in September, with Season Training kicking off in early October, games start in late October. ABA league breaks for Christmas resuming in mid January. The season ends in late March or early April, with the Baseball New Zealand National Championship tournament generally in March.
Age: For the 2023/2024 season players please see AGE CHART
Note: dispensations are not permitted to play down a grade.
What you need: All players are supplied with a club jersey for games, which must be returned at the end of the season. If you would like to order a jersey with your name and number printed on it, they can be ordered here
Players will need to provide the following equipment - see the guys at The Fieldhouse or The Dugout.
Cap - these can be purchased from our Tuck Shop or request here.
Pants – grey baseball pants
Belt - Dark blue
Glove – players will need their own baseball glove, at this age group many players will want a glove that reflects their preferred playing position, such as a smaller infielders glove, larger outfielders glove, first baseman's mitt or catcher's glove.
Shoes – at 16U, most players wear baseball cleats, although they are not compulsory. Note: some fields do not allow metal cleats. It is your responsibility to ensure the appropriate footware at all games.
Male players require a box / athletic protector - Auckland and New Zealand baseball rules require every male player to wear a box / athletic support.
Optional – some players like to have their own bats, helmets or catchers gear. This is fine as long as it is suitable for the game – your coach will be able to advise on this. Please check first as equipment such as softball bats will not be allowed in the game.
All other gear & equipment is provided by the club, including bats, batting helmets, catchers gear, balls etc.
Training: Training is twice weekly for 90 minutes. - Tuesday & Thursday. Tuesday training is a skills based session with players in other youth grades. Skill stations will be set up with players being placed in ability groups to enable greater player development. Thursday training sessions will be grade or team-based sessions, with team coaches.
Games: 16U home games are generally played on Davies (#1) Diamond or the #2 Diamond at Crossfield Reserve, Glendowie. 16U games are typically held on Saturday mornings at 9.30am.
Away games will be played during the season at other clubs from Hamilton to Orewa. A schedule will be available closer to the season start date.
Cost: $250 for the season including your Training Shirt. Fees cover equipment, field maintenance, ABA & BNZ Affiliation fees.
Safety: Many of the rules of baseball, particularly at the younger age groups are focused on player safety. 16U grade umpires will enforce these rules to ensure player safety.
Want to help out? Get involved by helping out as a game-day coach or assistant coach, Team Manager, Scorer or Umpire. Just comment in your registration or let us know.
CONTACT BAYSIDE WESTHAVEN BASEBALL CLUB
Email: info@baysidebaseball.co.nz
Our fields: 83 Crossfield Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Volunteers - We are looking for Tuck Shop volunteers to assist during home games. Please contact us if you can help. Come to the Committee Meeting or email us!